Something in Your Heart: Sierra Jackson’s Journey

By Cecil Witherspoon

Sierra Jackson first got into flying at 12 years old, and credits her grandfather for sparking her interest in aviation. That interest quickly grew from a spark into a potential career path, and has now blossomed into a full-fledged passion. What started with her first orientation flight at 12-years-old has led to her plan for the future - a plan that includes college, the Air Force, and more.

Jackson, currently studying mechanical engineering, said flying is something she plans to do long-term. She said she hopes to follow a path similar to her grandfather’s career. “My grandfather was a pilot in the Air Force and, later, a commercial pilot. I was really wanting to follow in his footsteps. I want to go to the Air Force for the pilot training program, and right after that, go to one of the commercial airlines,” Jackson said.

Flying plays a big role in Jackson’s family, as both her grandfather and mother earned their pilot’s licenses. Jackson said those family ties have helped her on her journey in aviation.

“My grandfather and my mother both have their pilot’s licenses; and, it’s really nice having my mom there for me because we can learn and study together. She’s there to pave the way,” Jackson said.

Not everything has come easily during Jackson’s time training and learning to be a pilot, though. Last year, her flight instructor, Lawrence Latimer, passed away.

Jackson said finding the resolve to keep going was a challenge, but one she ultimately overcame. “He would want me to keep moving forward in my aviation career,” Jackson said. Jackson says much of her motivation comes from within. She added that it takes a certain type of person to be a pilot. “It’s kind of tough because it’s not something you can just say; it’s something in your heart. Flying, being a pilot - it’s a different breed; and, you know, it’s something you just have to be born wanting to do,” Jackson said.

Beyond those feelings, the aviation community was another thing Jackson pointed to that she has loved getting to experience. Jackson’s journey has included time in the Civil Air Patrol, among numerous other interactions with pilots and other flight instructors. Jackson said she’s been able to experience air shows, like the one in Oshkosh, through her work with the Civil Air Patrol, claiming the community and diversity of options have helped maintain her passion for aviation. “I love the pilot community, especially the Women in Aviation organization and the GIFT Academy (which stands for Girls In Flight Training) in Vernon, Texas. That’s where I did a lot of my training,” Jackson said. “My favorite experience is meeting the different types of people, and, really, seeing all the different types of aircraft. Since people like various aircrafts, you can really get a lot of experience in different ones: multi-engine, taildraggers, aerobatic aircraft.”

Beyond the community aspect, Jackson said the simple feeling of flight is something she believes newcomers to aviation will find enjoyable. “It’s quite the experience, once you get up in the air, and you get flying. It sounds really cliché, but you feel free. You don’t have to really worry about all the stresses that you’re dealing with. You just go up, fly, enjoy the learning experiences, the view, just the sounds and feelings of the airplane. Definitely look forward to all of those,” Jackson said.

She mentioned that finding the right person to train and mentor young aviation enthusiasts is important as well. “When you just start to get into aviation, find that person that you can have as a mentor. Having one helps you so much. It gives you a little motivation, like “I want to be like someone,” you know? “I want to be like this person.” It really gives you motivation for sure,” Jackson said. “That’s what I have always done. You know, my grandfather, my mom, my flight instructor - I want to be like them. I want to fly.”

Mr. Cecil Witherspoon, a mass communication senior at Midwestern State University, passionate about journalism, currently serves as the editor-in-chief of the MSU student newspaper, the Wichitan.